July 1, 2020
“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47
I love reading war stories. What makes it even better if it is based on the truth. I recently read a World War II story on the battle for Africa. It was a historical fiction work, which means it is based on truth, but filled with the authors own ideas. I read names like Eisenhower, Rommel, Patton, and others whose names are synonymous with the great battles. It was all about the tank battles in Africa and how America fought. In these stories the author makes up a fictitious solider and tells his story. The battles and some of the commanders are actual people, but the soldier’s story is probably a little embellished. I love reading the stories and the sheer excitement, the rush, and the fear in battle that these brave men with stood.
I am always impressed to meet and talk to anyone who has been in battle. Some will not talk about it and I do not believe I will ever know what it is really like. I believe that is something you have to experience. I am indebted and very proud of these men and women who stand guard and protect us from evil. They should be saluted every chance we get.
I begin sharing this as we head towards celebrating the birth of the United States. I wonder how we would defend her today against foreign invasion. I wonder if we would stand and fight to keep our freedom. I wonder if we are made of the same material that these brave men and women who fought in wars were made of. It concerns me on a national front.
Yet I am also as concerned about the church. The church used to flourish. It flourished because it was a priority in the lives of families. Now it is an afterthought. It no longer holds the position it used to hold. Jesus started the church. The Bible says He gave Himself for the church. The church is supposed to be the bride that one day He will return and take home. What kind of a bride will we be? Are we going to be beautiful and adored by all? Or are we going to be just “doing the best we can?”
Saturday is July 4th and many will enjoy a day of feasting and festivities. We will grill out and share with family. We will fire off fireworks to say how proud we are to be an American. Yet are you more proud of being an American or a Christian?
In the world we live in today we fight battles. Josh is preaching on putting on the armor of God so we can be ready to fight. Yet most of us are floundering in the battle because we are not prepared or not ready. I cannot win the battle alone. I need help. Unless I turn to God I will lose the battle. I might have national freedom, but I will not have spiritual freedom until I turn to God. The book of Samuel reminds us, “…it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s,…” The Lord used His son Jesus. You will not have a greater freedom than the freedom you receive from Jesus.
Dear Jesus, teach us to experience real freedom and not be sidetracked by the false freedom. Help us to celebrate our national freedom, but not to forget about our spiritual freedom. I am glad that you have provided the freedom that no man can give. It is a freedom that I cannot lose or forfeit. We love you Jesus, Amen.
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